Vasectomy

Reliability

Over 99% effective.
Failure rate 1 in 2,000 over a lifetime

How does it work?

Male Sterilisation is a permanent method, which cuts or occludes the tubes carrying the sperm so that there are no sperm in the semen when the man ejaculates or comes. It requires a small operation under local anaesthetic, which lasts 10-15 minutes. A hospital stay is not required.

Possible Side Effects

Bruising, swelling, discomfort or pain for a short while after the
operation.

Wound infection.

Rarely, the tubes join up after the operation so that the method may
fail.

Advantages / Benefits

Reliable

No need to remember contraception.

Permanent

Suitability

For those who have completed their families.

For those who want a permanent contraceptive method and are sure they
do not want more children.

Who can provide it?

Your GP or Sexual Health clinic will be able to arrange referral
to a specialist who will do the operation.

Comments

It is not generally possible to make the tubes open again once the
operation is done.

If in any doubt, it is better to use other methods.
Counselling is important.

You will need to rest for 24-36 hours and avoid strenuous exercise
for at least a week.

It usually takes a few months for all the sperm to disappear and
other contraception must be used during this time.

Samples of semen will need to be checked at intervals after the operation.